Image: Wburris (Flickr)

What: Washington D.C. St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: Sun., March 14, noon
Where: The parade will proceed down Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets NW in our nation’s capital.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the best-attended parades in Washington. The Parade through downtown D.C. lasts about 2.5 hours. This year’s parade theme is “The Irish That Built America.” The parade was started as an Irish community endeavor by the Irish American Club and is now held in cooperation with the National Capital Park Service. Complete with bands, public figures, dance groups and floats, this parade is for everyone. So take your family out and enjoy a well-planned event where everyone is Irish, at least for the day.

What: Leprechaun Lap
When: Sat., March 6, 1 – 9 p.m.
Where: The annual St. Patrick’s Day bar crawl begins at Mackey’s Public House at 1823 L St. NW, Washington, D.C.

The Leprechaun Lap is a charity-sponsored pub crawl that includes food and drink specials at Rumors, Sign of the Whale, the Front Page, McFadden’s, Porter’s, the Bottom Line, Recessions and the Madhatter. Be sure to register from 1-6 p.m. at Mackey’s on March 6. The cost is $10 with two cans of food to donate to a local charity and $13 without.

What: The National Shamrock Fest
When: Sat., March 13, 1 – 9 p.m.
Where: RFK Stadium, 2400 E. Capitol St. NE Washington, DC.

Complete with live music, food, drinks and dozens of activities for all ages, this street festival is great for the entire family. The Shamrock Fest is the largest Saint Patrick’s Day party in the region, featuring more than 40 live bands performing on seven stages. Enjoy a daylong festival of rock, Irish, blues, retro and folk music.

What: The Dubliner Irish Pub
When: March 17
Where: 520 N. Capitol St. NW, Washington, DC 20001

According to many D.C. locals, this is the place to be on St. Patrick’s Day. The Dubliner features live Irish entertainment seven nights a week, and a vast selection of beers, including some of their own. The Dubliner is packed with people on St. Patrick’s Day, who watch the street below on the open-air patio that faces Massachusetts Avenue. The pub food is surprisingly good. If you get a chance, you should try the fish and chips, but do not expect them to have much food available on St. Patrick’s Day. It will be standing room only, and the beer will be flowing heavily.

What: The Red Derby Bar
When: March 17
Where: 3718 14th St. NW, Washington, DC 20010

If you are looking for a great Irish dive bar, here is one with cheap beer, cute servers and greasy yet delightful food. This bar is as quaint as it gets with board games and friendly patrons who may just buy you a drink. Established as a place to hang out, there are old movies projecting on the wall and the bartenders and wait staff are likely to sit down and have a drink with you. When you first walk in, you may feel like you have trespassed and entered a private club because there is no sign for this place from the street other than a red derby that hangs above the door. Located in Columbia Heights, this bar is not in the best of neighborhoods, but it is safe, well-lit and there is always a big crowd there. If you are feeling adventurous on St. Patty’s day this year, this is one cozy bar that is cheap, friendly and charming.

April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Washington, D.C.

The internet is full of pet blogs. Some exist simply to give you the pleasure of viewing cute, cuddly creatures while others keep you updated on pet news and health. No matter what your interests are or what kind of pet you own, there are several blogs on the web to meet your needs. We’ve selected 5 blogs that will give you the information you need and the cuteness you crave. Check out these Top 5 Pet Blogs:

1. Pet Finder’s Blog

This site allows you to search for pets all across the country. If you are looking for information on the adoption process and want to read success stories involving adoption, check out the blog on Petfinder. From discussing current issues in the pet world to what to do when adopting a pet, the Petfinder blog provides information for both new and experienced pet owners.

2. Dog Blog at Dogster

This blog is specifically about dogs, but the site offers other blogs as well including the Cat’s Meow and a Vet Blog. So, whether you’re a cat or dog lover, you can enjoy this site’s blogs. You’ll also find anything from pet health information and news to cute photos of cuddly pets and special giveaways.

3. PetMD

At PetMD.com, you get three blogs in one. “Haute or Not?” is a fun blog that reviews pet treats and products and has giveaways. This colorful blog is hard to resist. But, if you are looking for pet health information, you’ll also find the “Daily Vet blog” by Dr. Patty Khuly and the unofficial “Dogtown blog.”

4. PawNation

This blog can be found on AOL Living and offers a main blog as well as blogs specifically on dogs, cats, pet health, pets in the news, and toys and treats. From articles on “How to Give Your Dog a Pill” to “The Top 10 Pet Friendly Cities,” there’s information on every aspect of pet life. It’s a one stop shop for a variety of pet owners.

5. Cute Overload

If you just love cute animals, then this blog is for you. Whether you own a pet or not, you can enjoy the cute and funny photos of pets submitted by blog readers. It’s a bright, colorful blog to get lost in on your lunch break.

Photo by: dougwoods

So, whether you are trying to get information on adopting a pet to add a companion to your apartment or home or if you are concerned with news in the pet world, these five blogs are top resources to keep you informed.

Finding the perfect place to live in DC is hard enough, but finding a place that welcomes your furry friend can prove to be even more of a challenge. First off, the apartment has to allow dogs, and second, you don’t want the pet deposit to break the bank. Here are a few apartments that allow pets in Washington DC:

Park Triangle Apartments
Bedroom: Studio-2
Rates: $1515-$3000
Dogs and Cats accepted

Benjamin Warder Mansion
Bedroom: 1-2
Rates: $1500-$2900
Dogs and Cats accepted
$350 pet deposit

View at Waterfront Apartments
Bedroom: Studio-2
Rates: $1425-$2775
Weight Restriction 75lbs
$250 pet deposit

Westbrooke Place Apartments
Bedroom: Studio-2
Rates: $1850-$3190
Large pets welcome

Brookland Ridge Apartments
Bedroom: 1-2
Rates: $1425-$1585
Pet deposit $200
$20 monthly pet rent

So, before you sign a lease for a Washington DC apartment, make sure pets are welcome. Your pet is your best friend. You don’t want to forget their needs when looking for a new apartment.

DC Dog Parks

Here are a few dog-friendly places to check out in DC. Grab your pooch and the leash and get out there.

1. Chesapeake Bay Gateway Network National Park
2. C & O Canal Towpath
3. Capital Crescent Trail
4. National Arboretum
5. Rock Creek Park
6. Congressional Cemetery
7. Glover Park Dog Park
8. Lincoln Park

Photo by: Peter Hilton

Forget the long lines

Technology’s greatest gift is the ability to do your holiday shopping online in the comforts of your own home. Taking advantage of online shopping is perhaps the biggest way to relieve stress during the holiday season. Rather than spending time driving to the mall, hunting down a parking space, and waiting in a line that never moves, use your keyboard for all it’s worth and do your shopping at home. Just make sure to allow time for shipping.

Make a list check it twice

The biggest time consumer during the holiday shopping season is heading to the mall with no idea what you’re looking for. Save yourself, and your feet, by preparing a list of gift ideas for each person before leaving your house. List a few ideas for each person in case your first option isn’t available.

Photo by: countrygal845

Take it as it comes

Another stressful event associated with the holidays is wrapping gifts. People have a tendency to let wrapping wait till the last minute. Since most holiday parties are in the days leading up to a holiday, leaving your wrapping till the last minute only leaves you even more crunched for time. But, wrapping as you go makes wrapping gifts far less of a laborious task and will leave you more time to enjoy the holiday party scene.

Take a personal day

A big part of holiday stress is that most people tend to do their holiday shopping around the same time – after work and on the weekends. After a long day at work, the last thing you’ll want to do is spend time looking for gifts among the legions of other shoppers. If possible, take a weekday off from work and head out early to do some shopping. Lines won’t be nearly as long and you can take all the time you’d like.

Don’t overbook yourself

In part because of the stress associated with the holiday season, lots of people love to attend holiday parties to unwind and have fun. But, too many parties can greatly cut into your relaxation time – time you need to avoid holiday season burnout. While it’s great to see family and friends, don’t overbook yourself on the holiday social scene. You’ll likely need rest more than you need another night of eggnog and holiday cheer.

Spend time with the kids

While taking the kids on holiday shopping trips typically only adds to the holiday stress, make sure you make time to spend with your kids during the holidays. Kids enjoy the holiday season more than anyone else, and their youthful enthusiasm will likely put a smile on your face and provide a nice change of pace.

So keep these holiday stress tips in mind this season. Remember the holidays are to be spent with friends and family. So, throw in a DVD and spend a day baking cookies or decorating the tree at your DC apartment, and you’ll see why it’s all worth it in the long run.

Easy Apartment Searching

AllHomes.com is the one stop shopping way of finding every apartment that fits your preference in any neighborhood in Washington DC. It’s also very straightforward and easy to use:

1. Go to AllHomes.com.
2. Enter where you want to live or select a metro from the drop down menu.
3. Narrow your search by distance, price range, bedrooms, and amenities in the right sidebar.
4. Click on the icons on the map or the list of properties on the left sidebar.
5. You can even search homes, private rentals, and foreclosures as well!

Walkability

Sometimes you may find a place that looks promising but you don’t know anything about the specific neighborhood. This is where
Walk Score really helps out. You can discover exactly how ‘walkable’ different neighborhoods really are.

The website evaluates neighborhoods based on the number of schools, markets, restaurants and other necessities within walking distance of a given address. If the neighborhood has a high Walk Score, you know that you will have all your basic needs met with just a quick walk.

Best Places to Live

The last place online to find neighborhood information just might also be the best. Sperling’s Best Places to Live in America is a compilation of data from many reputable sources that evaluates cities and areas based on set criteria.

With Best Places you can search online with a zip code or city name and find important information like the cost of living. It also evaluates other data such as the education system, the crime statistics, home prices and more. Deciding between two areas? Compare them side-by-side and see how they stack up. Best Places is available for search online at.

Hopefully, by the time you’re done on these websites your apartment search will be that much closer to being done and you will have a great start to the new year in your new place.

• Endurance
• Strength
• Flexibility

Simple Ways To keep Kids Active and Get Them Fit

• Join a recreational program or youth sports team in the DC area.
• Play games that require physical activity like a scavenger hunt.
• Combine exercise with something they already love to do, like playing video games.
• Have them make up a dance routine to their favorite songs with friends.
• Buy them a bike as a reward for good grades or doing chores.
• Incorporate it in daily tasks you already do. Let them walk the dog in the mornings.

One of the simplest ways to teach your kids about healthy lifestyles and fitness is to lead by example. Join the coaching staff of their little league team, for example. Just get involved and participate with them.

Hollywood gossip about movie stars, rock stars, socialites, and athletes have always been big business because the public is so interested in how these people live their lives. Today internet blogs have completely changed the industry. You don’t have to wait for those weekly tabloid magazine issues. If you jump online, there they are just a click away.

Get all the dish on your favorite celebrities on these salacious websites! They feature the latest celebrity news, pictures, and videos on your favorite Hollywood stars. So if you’re one of those people who need real-time, albeit invasive, gossip on the celebs, here are some sites you have to check out.

• Dlisted.com
• PerezHilton.com
• TMZ.com
• EOnline.com
• Bossip.com
• MSN Entertainment
• MWZA.com

Photo By: insert stereotypical label here

Photo by: Kit Reynolds

Household Chemicals

If you have to dispose of used motor oil or antifreeze, do not use a household or storm drains to do it. Take these chemicals to designated recycling centers to be disposed of properly.

And, when using pesticides and fertilizers on your yard or plants, use them sparingly. When the forecast predicts rain soon after you plan on using these chemicals, wait until after it rains. The chemicals can be washed away into streams, ground water and storm drains contaminating water resources.

Make sure batteries and CFL bulbs are recycled properly as well. They contain corrosive and toxic materials that can seep into the ground water in landfills.

Litter

Don’t throw trash out of your car window as you’re driving down the highway, and don’t leave trash in a park after a picnic or recreation. This litter can poison or kill wildlife, contaminate water sources and make your community look trashy.

Also, when taking your garbage to the curb for trash pickup, make sure the lid is securely closed and all trash is contained in bags in the can. This will keep litter from blowing out of your can and deter animals from rummaging in it.

Photo by: Canton Public Library

Household Waste

Packaging today is not environmentally friendly. You may purchase an item that weighs less than a pound but it comes in three pounds of packaging. This is just wasteful, and while you can’t do anything about how manufacturers package their goods, you can recycle. Keep a few plastic tubs or containers in your DC apartment home and use them to separate your recyclables.

Air Pollution

By reducing your time in the car, you can reduce the amount of pollution released into the atmosphere. However, for most people, this isn’t an option. You have to go to work everyday, and you may have a long commute that you can’t really do anything about.

However, if you have to drive, you can have your car inspected regularly to make sure it is running efficiently. Not all cities require emissions testing, but you can still have your car inspected to see if anything needs to be replaced or repaired to keep it as environmentally friendly as possible.

Photo by: chuckbiscuito

These are simple changes you can make in your household to reduce pollution. They don’t cost much and some don’t cost anything at all. Just be a little more aware of your presence and your impact on the environment around you, and you’ll notice aspects of your life that you could change to become a part of the solution to pollution.

Think Outside The Box: Planes, Games and Wines

Photo by: Kari Sullivan

Over the top would be the only way to describe this first gift idea, and in more ways than one. For the person who has everything, what could be more unexpected than signing them up for a zero g plane ride?

If you’re willing to put down the cash for this gift, which will typically run around $4000 (plus airfare to one of their departure locations), the recipient will be floating on cloud 9, literally. By ascending and descending at steep angles, the customized 727 airplane simulates what it actually feels like to be weightless in outer space. This has got to be one of the most outrageous, expensive over-the-top gifts to consider for your friends, and nobody is going to top this experience anytime soon.

Obviously $4000 isn’t for everyone; most people aren’t going to spend that kind of cash on themselves, and probably not on gifts for friends. The next unique gift idea may still not be considered cheap, but in the range of a few hundred dollars, it will add to the ambiance of any DC apartments quite nicely. It is a classic arcade game, such as the ones you might find in movie theaters and bowling alleys. Many of these games are available online and through specialty stores. Some of the less popular ones can be had for a bargain price. Shop around and you can find a great deal.

Photo by: Dey

Wine gifts are good options for those looking to tap a unique gift idea but also need to be budget conscious. Consider enrolling the gift recipient in a wine club or enrolling them as a member of a local winery. This is a gift that keeps on giving all year round.

Put down for the minimum case requirement (usually set per quarter) and the recipient of the membership will get a new case of wine delivered to their home four times a year. Still too steep in price? Pick out a tasteful, handpicked assortment of local and regional wine and give it to them in a case. It’s more the thought that makes wine gifts special and best of all they can be enjoyed by both the giver and the recipient.

Photo by: Matt Mechtley

Finding Deals and Specials

Move in specials can get more frequent in the summer, which is when more people decide they are going to make their moves due to the nicer, warmer weather. Apartments in the areas with extra space from residents moving out will be looking to fill their spaces by advertising deals such as having the first two months rent free or tossing in attractive cable or perks packages such as parking spots or gym memberships. You need to be shrewd about this type of thing as well, nothing is set in stone, you can negotiate your own price with the landlord. If they want to fill the unit bad enough, you can usually get them to negotiate down a little bit or throw in something (like parking) for a couple months for free.

Always let your friends know that you are looking into moving apartments. While apartment listings are the best place to find the apartments that are on the market, sometimes and in some neighborhoods, just driving around is the key to finding apartments for rent in DC. Letting your friends know in advance that you are looking for a new space will allow you to increase your eyes and ears in the city, and hopefully you’ll be the first to know when the apartment down the street from your friend puts a ‘move in special’ sign in front of their building.

If you qualify, there are special low-income housing apartments around the Washington DC area, but you are usually going to have to prove your income. And, once you start making a certain amount of money, you may need to start looking for a new place to live again. Rent controlled apartments are also an option but they are becoming less and less frequent and the amount of savings you’ll actually get from market value is debatable.

Don’t Get Scammed

Be wary of deals you hear about or deals you see on the internet. Some apartment deals are too good to be true. Understand that most apartments offering outrageous specials are usually the less desirable apartment complexes. Be sure to read through your lease and know what is expected of you. Some deals may be for a short time only, or the apartment offering a free months rent may not be within your budget once you have to start paying rent. You have to weigh every aspect of an apartment; don’t be blinded by the deal and then regret your decision later when you’re stuck in a lease for a year.

Apartment hunting and especially apartment deal finding is about perseverance and utilizing your resources. Get your friend out there and also comb the apartment listings religiously, you don’t want to miss the apartment deal of the century because you took your eye off the ball.